Social Security Act 1973

8(1)A scheme must not contain any rule which results, or can result, in a member being treated less favourably for any purpose relating to short service benefit than he is, or is entitled to be, treated for the corresponding purpose relating to long service benefit.

(2)The above does not apply to any rule in its application to members whose pensionable service terminated before the rule came into force, except a rule made after the termination of a member’s pensionable service and resulting, or capable of resulting, for him in any treatment less favourable than that to which he would have been entitled but for the rule; nor does it apply to a rule merely conferring a discretion on the scheme’s trustees or managers, or others, so long as it is not a rule requiring the discretion to be exercised in any discriminatory manner against members in respect of their short service benefit.